Modern Moroccan Glam Desert Wedding Editorial
This wedding editorial was inspired by an imaginary place where the dry desert meets the lush jungle. Somewhere deep in the Moroccan desert sits a fabulous private oasis that was built to shelter travelers from the desert heat. Cacti and Tropical greenery intermingle with the painted pink exterior and muted desert tones while the interior is filled with boldly patterned wall coverings, treasures from near and far, and a fabulous mix of tiles and patterns.
I dreamed up a setting for this shoot based on the design and architecture of The Sands Hotel + Spa, in Indian Wells, CA. I was inspired by Martin Lawrence Ballard's design of the property, as well as the stunning desert surroundings and I wanted to create a place where luxury meets comfort and modern design meets treasures of the old world.
I enlisted my friend Brett Loie of Loie Photography to help bring my vision to life and the two of us got to work planning the styled shoot of our dreams!
The hotel and spa stands out beautifully against the desert tones of the area and would be the perfect place to buyout for a wedding. If you are planning a wedding or social event that has around 100-120 guests or less, there is a hotel room for each of your guests and enough room to host the rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.
A stunning invitation suite by Bourne Paper Co. set the tone for the day.
The pattern of the envelope liner was inspired by the wallpaper of the Pink Cabana Restaurant on property, and the muted desert tones can be found in each of the wedding details.
Real-life couple Madison Clark and Alexandra Morgan-Clark originally got married in a courthouse wearing t-shirts and jeans. When they showed interest in modeling for us we couldn’t wait to give them the well-designed wedding they had always dreamed of. The brides got ready together in the fabulously glammed up Spa that sits on property adjacent to the ceremony location. The mirrored walls and Moroccan accents are EVERYTHING! And aren't the ladies both gorgeous!?
Alexandra wore a Marchesa dress from Kinsley James Couture Bridal with shoes by Bella Belle.
Madison wore her own designer clothes and both were dazzled up with rings by Trumpet and Horn.
Makeup and Hair was done to perfection by Lulu Bernal.
The metal rose gold chairs from Collective Rentals acted as a perfect accent for the pink exterior wall and the black door of the spa, which was used as the ceremony backdrop.
Floral design from Salt Road sent the styling of this editorial through the stratosphere and provided a gorgeous organic juxtaposition against the architectural lines of the building.
The cocktail area would be set around the pool, with cabanas to lounge in, and a custom-built escort card display nearby. The sleek black wall that was built for the escort cards to dangle was inspired by doors that are all over the property. The name tags by Bourne Paper Co. were inspired by the retro vibe of the surrounding area, as well as the numerous valet stands throughout Palm Springs and the desert area.
Our stunning lounge setting was provided by Collective Rentals and fit the location the overall aesthetic perfectly. Set against a pink exterior wall, this inviting lounge looks as if it has always been there, which was exactly the point.
Our decadent and luxe table setting is framed by the maximalist vibe of the Pink Cabana Restaurant. Green and white checkered tiles are reflected in the rose gold chairs while the golden bar dances in the background. The dusty rose velvet linen is paired with a curry-colored napkin, both from La Tavola Fine Linens, and the table is adorned with Moroccan table-top setting from Signature Party Rentals. The centerpiece of the table is a textural masterpiece, pairing candle lanterns with Ikebana inspired bursts of flowers and colored taper candles.
The cake by Mwokaji Cakery rounds out the shoot nicely, calling on the black + white elements of the shoot and architectural lines of the property.
Check out more inspiration below!
